Coupon Ethics

Here are my guidelines for using more than one or two coupons in a store:

• If there is a person behind me with very few items, I ask them to go before me.
• I try to go to the more experienced cashiers, so that my coupons don’t hold up the line.
• I try to go shopping at non-peak hours, so the store isn’t terribly busy.
• If I need to do more than one transaction, I always ask ahead of time and allow others in line to go before me, when possible.  (In other words, I go to the back of the line for my 2nd transaction.)
• I try to follow all store coupon policies, so that I don’t hold up the line.
• I will speak up if the cashier misuses, doesn’t scan, or enters a coupon incorrectly.
• I will speak up if my cashier tells me something that is not in their coupon policy.
• I will go to customer service if there is a problem on my receipt.

What are some things you do when you plan to use a lot of coupons?

One very controversial issue in couponing is how much stock you should buy and is it OK to clear a shelf.  No one likes to make a trip for a smoking deal and find an empty shelf, but with today’s economy, it is often a reality.  Is it wrong to clear a shelf (buy a lot of one item)?

Here is my opinion:  it is controversial because there is not a definite right or wrong answer. A lot of my opinion on this topic depends on certain factors.

Factors that influence my opinion:

• the size of your family (my two person family requires a lot less than a larger family)
• the amount of stock you already have
• the amount of stock you can consume before it expires
• if you are donating stock or purchasing for personal use

My Personal Guidelines:

• I don’t take more than my family can use of an item that we personally use before the next sale, but I do include my parents and in-laws.
• I only buy 1-2 items for donation purposes, and these are usually items that my family does not use.  I leave the others for people who use them in their family. I do believe donating items to a worthy cause is important, but I try my best to leave good stock for the families looking for the deal.
• I try not to clear a shelf, but when there are only 4 items or less on the shelf, I don’t feel one bit bad about it.
• I try to treat others the way I want to be treated, and encourage stores to have enough stock.  I have even been known to compliment customer service for great stock.

Remember, these are just the rules I follow for myself!  I will say that if your coupon ethics are contrary to mine, that is OK.  I am going to say what I think, and you don’t have to agree with me! All I ask is that you keep your comments objective and kind.

I know this is a controversial topic, so I will be watching comments carefully.  Please keep them kind and considerate of others.